China to probe WADA’s illegal substance claim

BEIJING, Feb 19 – China will look into the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) claim that “99 per cent of illegal substances come from China” but remains doubtful of the agency’s statistics, Xinhua news agency reported.

The move came after WADA director general David Howman told reporters that “99 per cent of the raw materials that are used through the Internet to make up in your kitchen or your backyard laboratory are emanating from China.”

Howman’s remarks drew the attention of the State General Administration of Sport, a governmental organisation that runs sports and provides financial support for the country’s anti-doping drive.

“We are shocked at Howman’s comment. We are wondering where this 99 per cent came from and what his evidence is. We have asked for a more detailed explanation from WADA,” said China’s anti-doping chief Jiang Zhixue.

At the same time, Jiang admitted “there are problems” in China’s battle against doping.

“There are problems, such as illegal sale of banned drugs through the Internet, so we have decided to launch an investigation into WADA’s allegation,” he said.

Jiang said the investigation should be coordinated efforts between multiple governmental departments. – Bernama

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